Paint Your Own Pet Portrait Using Mod Podge

Guys, I’m going to let you all in on my little secret. That pet portrait I posted on Instagram and Facebook this afternoon is SO EASY to do. I whipped it up in 30 minutes (no joke!) And because I love you guys that much, I’m totally sharing with you how to make your own! Because I definitely don’t want to give you the impression that I’m some Picasso or something (I’m so NOT!) All you need is a camera, printer, a few different paints, and Mod Podge and you too can paint your very own personalized pet portrait!

While cleaning out our garage…yes…can you believe another project has transpired from this dang garage purge! What. Is. Wrong. With. Me?!

Anyway…I found three of these square paintings. I had these up in our master a few years ago in our other place, but there was nothing special or personal about them. At the time, it was about filling up wall space…have you ever bought anything like that? Hence, why they’ve been sitting and collecting dust in our garage for 2 years. As I tossed them into the donate pile I had an idea…dangerous…I know. Spray paint over them, and make my own art. I have 3, one for each pet. Perfect….

Once I gave it a coat of white and let it dry, I brought it inside and raided my acrylic paint drawer.

I painted bold peacock blue, and black stripes sloppily onto the canvas. Using my fingers and a paper towel to blend, smudge…etc. You can see the bird of the original painting trying to come through, but I wasn’t worried about it. I knew once it was finished it wouldn’t be noticeable, and I think it just added to the imperfection of the painting anyway (which I like).

Now here is where I totally cheat. Don’t hate me…

I took a quick profile shot of our dog Bentley, and enlarged it on my computer, printed it out on your standard printing paper, and then used an exact knife to cut him out.

Then I placed his cut out profile onto the canvas where I wanted it and glued it on with Mod Podge.

Then Mod Podged all over the picture to make sure it was sealed and blended the seams so you couldn’t tell I’m a cheater.

Once the Mod Podge was dry…

I used black acrylic paint to go back over the seams, and outline the picture. I even went in and outlined the natural shadows of the picture like around his eye, his ear, the wave in his neck. It really makes the picture appear more like a painting this way and again not worrying about being perfect…perfection is over rated.

Guys…would I ever share something with you if I didn’t think you could do it yourselves? Absolutely not!

I’m thrilled with the way it turned out, and can’t wait to finish the other two and hang them somewhere in our home. It’s personal, beautiful, and one of a kind. I can’t wait to see your own versions! Make sure to tag me either on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook if you do your own!

Oh my gosh Christine! You’re a DIY genius! I’m so completely impressed at this garage find turned perfect pet art I showed the hubs and even he was like Wow! That’s saying something. i loved it when I saw it on Instagram today but just had to come see for myself. Thanks sooo much for sharing the down & dirty details. I totally want to make one of my little Shorkie now!
Cheers to you and yours,
ThereseTherese @ Fresh Idea Studio recently posted…The Real Deal 9 Months In Our House Tour

Christine – this is fabulous!!! I saw your post on Instagram last night, and couldn’t wait to get over here this morning to see how you made this! I pinned it to my DIY Pet Projects board and definitely want to try this! Awesome idea!Laura / The Shed by Pet Scribbles recently posted…Sailboat Decor: 10 Easy DIYs

This is just wonderful! I’m not artistic at all but I’d love to give it a try. I’m pinning this for later.
I’m visiting you today from Project Inspired. I co-host a Linky Party Tuesdays and would LOVE for you to add this. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog, leave a comment and Link Up, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up PartyMegin recently posted…Brag About It | Link Party | No. 13

This is awesome! I love your pet “paintings”! We just lost our Boxer, so I’ll be working on blowing up one of her old pictures and making a memorial to remember her by. Thanks for sharing – found you at Hometalk. 🙂
Blessings,
KimKim @ Curtain Queen Creates recently posted…Extending the Life of a Tween Room

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! I did a pet portrait on my site, too, but I was not brilliant enough to think of doing it this way. I actually painted the damn thing (and I have not art skills, believe me!) I’m happy I did it, but I think I’m going to do one like this of my cat. It’s a totally different look and very pop-art-ish.Clare recently posted…Comment on Playing Dress Up by begininthemiddle

What a neat project!!! What kind of printer did you use when you printed your pictures? It looks like it’s a color print but am wondering if you used an inkjet or laser. For color we have an inkjet printer but think the colors would run when the “WET” mod podge hit it, but I may be wrong which is why I’m asking.
Thanks for your help and time.

[…] is probably one of my favorite spots to look at. Virtually everything is handmade by me, from the pet portraits, to the cranberry balls, and those vases? Those are the gold faux bois vases I made last year. This […]

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Hi! I'm Chrissi! I'm a homebody and get excited about finding ways to turn my house into a home. I love being able to share whatever inspires me too. Whether it's an easy DIY project, cleaning tip or delicious recipe...you can definitely find something to try here! This is my happy place to share what's going on in my life...Oh, and maybe talk a little bit about the love for my furkids too! I hope you'll stick around... Read More…

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